Authorities: Drug raid uncovers dog-fighting ring

PATERSON, N.J. (AP) — A drug raid at a northern New Jersey home unexpectedly uncovered evidence of a large pit bull dog-fighting ring that apparently was being run out of the residence.

Authorities tell The Record (http://bit.ly/QuXD7F) that two people face animal cruelty and drug possession charges stemming from Friday’s raid in Paterson.

They say officers found dead fighting dogs stuffed into garbage bags and starving puppies crammed into crates. They say 18 puppies and three maimed adults were rescued from the home, though many needed some type of veterinary care.

Besides the dogs, police found a handgun and about $12,000 worth of crack cocaine and marijuana. Authorities also found steroids used for fighting dogs, along with needles and electronic collars to shock the dogs.